KEB America, Inc. announces that the KEB F6 VFD and S6 Servo Drive now supports Modbus TCP/IP communication protocol. In addition to Modbus TCP/IP, the other supported Ethernet-based network communication protocols include EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, ProfiNet, and Powerlink. “The variety of supported communication protocols in our drives give machine builders a lot of flexibility,” said Jonathan […]
Drives + Supplies
What does embedded mean in the context of motion control?
Over the past several years, embedded solutions have found their way into the motion control space, with terms such as embedded motion, embedded motion control, and embedded motion controller commonly used in product descriptions and technical articles. Although there are no standard definitions for these terms, they all refer to some level of integration of […]
Common dc bus servo drives for applications with regenerative energy needs
The new MELSERVO-J5D servo amplifiers from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. offer a unique servo-based solution for applications that need to handle regenerative energy. The common dc bus servo drives are ideal for medium to large servo applications that require multiple drive units capable of managing regenerative energy. Available in 400 V and 1 kW to […]
Why do stepper motors vibrate and what are ways to avoid or dampen vibrations?
With each discrete step that a stepper motor makes, the inertia of the system causes the motor to slightly overshoot (or undershoot) the intended step angle. The motor then oscillates, or “rings,” until it finally settles at the commanded position. If the frequency of these step-by-step oscillations is at or near the motor’s natural frequency, […]
When is the application of overvoltage safe (and common) for stepper motors?
For most types of motors, operating with a supply voltage that is higher than the rated voltage — referred to as overvoltage — can cause an increase in current, and heat, high enough to damage the coils and other motor components. But in some cases, a stepper motor can be operated at a voltage higher than rated […]
NORD’s PROFIsafe module adds functional safety to drive systems
Functional safety is a fundamental component in drive systems. The SK TU4-PNS, known as the PROFIsafe module, provides comprehensive safety for the reliable operation of NORD drive systems. This PROFIsafe module is a drive-integrated solution for decentralized variable frequency drives that implements functional safety within the system to stop operation and avoid potential injuries or […]
What is cyclic synchronous control (position, velocity, and torque)?
Cyclic synchronous control modes — cyclic synchronous position, cyclic synchronous velocity, and cyclic synchronous torque — are standardized operation modes of drives, defined in the CiA 402 profile specification, CANopen device profile for drives and motion control and included in the IEC 61800-7 standard, Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems — Part 7: Generic interface and use of […]
Why is RMS current important in stepper motor applications?
Most precision stepper motor applications — especially those in automation and motion control — use a control method referred to as microstepping, which creates a sinusoidal (or nearly sinusoidal) current waveform, rather than the square wave of current produced with typical full-step control. The current rating of a stepper motor depends on the amount of […]
Aerotech now offers online distribution through Motion Plus
Aerotech Inc., a global leader in precision motion control and automation, and Motion Plus, an ecommerce distributor, recently announced a partnership to sell many of Aerotech’s most widely used standard products at www.motionplusmore.com. The Motion Plus marketplace offers a wide range of motion control products, including many in-stock Aerotech products available for immediate shipment. “With […]
New micro-sized servo drives rated to 60-A continuous output
ADVANCED Motion Controls has released seven new micro-sized FlexPro servo drives rated to 60 A continuous output. The 60-A continuous current rating is 33% higher than previous models for the same size making these the company’s highest power-density servo drives to date. This offering includes PCB Mount, Machine Embedded and Development Board form factors. PCB […]